Embedded RFID Scanner For Mobil Product Management

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally provides methods and systems for reading information from a signal-emitting device, such as a wireless identification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an electronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to be worn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting a predefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of the body by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensor connected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value. In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, the electronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, the electronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from the signal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to a physical object associated with the signal-emitting device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division application of U.S. patent Ser.No. 11/422,002, filed on Jun. 2, 2006 which claims the benefit under 35U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional application No. 60/689,637, filed Jun. 10,2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

In modern corporations with large distribution systems, managingproducts in the distribution system is typically a complex endeavor.Where corporations distribute a reusable product, collection andreprocessing of that product may further add complexity to what may bean already complex system. Keeping track of the products within adistribution system typically requires efficient data collecting andrecord keeping and an efficient way of storing such information.

Some corporations utilize various technologies to improve productmanagement in large distribution systems. For example, some corporationsmay use barcodes and other corporations may use machine readable tagssuch as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags to track products intheir distribution system. RFID tags may be wirelessly read when theRFID tag is brought into proximity with an RFID reader. Wirelesslyreading RFID tags may allow information about the tagged product to bequickly obtained and processed.

There are generally less constraints upon reading a RFID tag thanreading a barcode (e.g., direct line of sight between the barcode andthe barcode reader), therefore using RFID tags in a situation wherebarcodes would suffice may save time. But, in some cases, wirelesslyreading RFID tags may still be a time consuming process. For example, insituations where large numbers of products are being scanned, a workermay individually locate and scan the RFID tag on each product. Therepetitive nature of this process may cause significant delays whileeach RFID tag is scanned and may be subject to human error (e.g., if theworker forgets to turn the RFID reader on, or if the worker accidentallyomits scanning one or more items).

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved method and apparatus forwirelessly reading machine readable tags.

SUMMARY

The present invention generally provides methods and systems for readinginformation from a signal-emitting device, such as a wirelessidentification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing anelectronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to beworn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting apredefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of thebody by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensorconnected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value.In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, theelectronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, theelectronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from thesignal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to aphysical object associated with the signal-emitting device.

In one embodiment, a method for reading a wireless identification tagmay include measuring a pressure value via a pressure sensor connectedto a hand-mounted device. If the pressure value measured via thepressure sensor is above a threshold pressure value, then the method mayalso include wirelessly reading tag data from the wirelessidentification tag via an antenna connected to the hand-mounted device.

In one embodiment, a tangible computer-readable medium containing aprogram product may be provided. When executed by a processor, theprogram product may perform an operation which may include measuring apressure value via a pressure sensor connected to a hand-mounted device.If the pressure value measured via the pressure sensor is above athreshold pressure value, then the operation may also include wirelesslyreading tag data from the wireless identification tag via an antennaconnected to the hand-mounted device.

In one embodiment, a device may include a hand-mounted device with anantenna, a pressure sensor connected to the hand-mounted device, andcircuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform an operation whichmay include measuring a pressure value via the pressure sensor connectedto the hand-mounted device. If the pressure value measured via thepressure sensor is above a threshold pressure value, then the operationmay also include wirelessly reading tag data from the wirelessidentification tag via an antenna connected to the hand-mounted device.

In one embodiment, a method for product management may includewirelessly reading tag data from an identification tag using ahand-mounted identification tag reader. The tag data may be transmittedfrom the hand-mounted identification tag reader to a first computingsystem. The first computing system may be configured to receiveadditional tag information corresponding to the tag data from a user.

In one embodiment, a method for product management may includeactivating a hand-mounted wireless identification tag reader in responseto a pressure exerted against a pressure sensor of the hand-mountedwireless identification tag reader. The activated hand-mounted wirelessidentification tag reader may wirelessly read identification tag datafrom an identification tag located in a handle portion of a product.

In one embodiment, a device may include a hand-mounted device forreading a wireless identification tag. The device may also include anantenna connected to the hand-mounted device for performingcommunication with the wireless identification tag. The antenna may bepositioned between a first digit of a user's hand and a second digit ofthe user's hand.

In one embodiment, a hand-mounted device may include a hand sensor, awireless tag reader, and circuitry. The circuitry may be configured toperform an operation which may include determining, using the handsensor, whether a user is wearing the hand-mounted device. If the useris wearing the hand-mounted device, the operation may include activatingthe wireless tag reader. The activated wireless tag reader may beconfigured to read wireless tag data from a wireless identification tagplaced within a threshold distance from the wireless tag reader.

In one embodiment, a hand-mounted device may include a pressure sensormounted on one or more of the digits of a hand of a user, a wireless tagreader, and circuitry configured to perform an operation. The operationmay include measuring a pressure value via the pressure sensor,determining if the pressure value measured via the pressure sensor isabove a threshold pressure value, and, if so, reading wireless tag datafrom a wireless identification tag.

In one embodiment, a device may include a hand-mounted device forreading a wireless identification tag and circuitry. The circuitry maybe configured to receive tag data from a wireless identification tag viathe hand-mounted device and combine the tag data in a data entry thatmay include an identification of a user of the hand-mounted device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like elements are given the same or analogous reference numbersand wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram which illustrates a system according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram which illustrates a back side of a glove forwirelessly reading a wireless identification tag according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram which illustrates a front side of the glovefor wirelessly reading the wireless identification tag according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram which illustrates a cross-section of the glovefor wirelessly reading the wireless identification tag according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram which illustrates a gas cylinder tagged with awirelessly readable electronic tag according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which illustrates a gas cylinder with a captagged with a wirelessly readable electronic tag and a gas cylinder witha removed cap according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a flow diagram depicting a process for reading a wirelessidentification tag using a switch and a pressure sensor according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a flow diagram depicting an alternate process for reading awireless identification tag using a switch, a sensor, and a pressuresensor according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting a process for transferring the dataassociated with the glove for wirelessly reading the wirelessidentification tag according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which illustrates a portable computing deviceaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which illustrates a graphical user interface(GUI) of the portable computing device according to one embodiment ofthe invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a database containing information that may be storedfor a wirelessly readable electronic tag according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention generally provides methods and systems for readinginformation from a signal-emitting device, such as a wirelessidentification tag. In one embodiment, the method includes providing anelectronic reading device mounted to a body-worn harness adapted to beworn on a body of a user. The method further includes detecting apredefined physical configuration assumed by at least a portion of thebody by determining that a pressure value measured via a pressure sensorconnected to the body-worn harness is above a threshold pressure value.In response to detecting the predefined physical configuration, theelectronic reading device is activated. Upon being activated, theelectronic reading device is configured to receive a signal from thesignal-emitting device, the signal containing data pertaining to aphysical object associated with the signal-emitting device.

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the invention.However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited tospecific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thefollowing features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice theinvention. Furthermore, in various embodiments the invention providesnumerous advantages over the prior art. However, although embodiments ofthe invention may achieve advantages over other possible solutionsand/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage isachieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the invention. Thus,the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merelyillustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of theappended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise,reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalizationof any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not beconsidered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims exceptwhere explicitly recited in a claim(s).

System Overview

One embodiment of the invention is implemented as a program product foruse with a computer system such as, for example, the system 100 shown inFIG. 1 and described below. The program(s) of the program productdefines functions of the embodiments (including the methods describedherein) and can be contained on a variety of computer-readable media.Illustrative computer-readable media include, but are not limited to:(i) information permanently stored on non-writable storage media (e.g.,read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readableby a CD-ROM drive); (ii) alterable information stored on writablestorage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-diskdrive); and (iii) information conveyed to a computer by a communicationsmedium, such as through a computer or telephone network, includingwireless communications. The latter embodiment specifically includesinformation downloaded from the Internet and other networks. Suchcomputer-readable media, when carrying computer-readable instructionsthat direct the functions of the present invention, representembodiments of the present invention.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of theinvention, may be part of an operating system or a specific application,component, program, module, object, or sequence of instructions. Thecomputer program of the present invention typically is comprised of amultitude of instructions that will be translated by the native computerinto a machine-readable format and hence executable instructions. Also,programs are comprised of variables and data structures that eitherreside locally to the program or are found in memory or on storagedevices. In addition, various programs described hereinafter may beidentified based upon the application for which they are implemented ina specific embodiment of the invention. However, it should beappreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows isused merely for convenience, and thus the invention should not belimited to use solely in any specific application identified and/orimplied by such nomenclature.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system 100 may include awireless identification tag reader/writer module 108 attached to orembedded, for example, in a glove 102 or other wearable item. In oneembodiment, the glove 102 or other wearable item may also include one ormore pressure sensors 104, and/or an antenna 106 for communication witha wireless identification tag 120. The reader/writer module 108 may beconfigured to read wireless identification tag data from the wirelessidentification tag 120 located on a product, such as a gas cylinder 122or a rack of gas cylinders 130, as depicted in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, a wireless identification tag reader/writer 116 mayalso be used to read wireless identification tag data via an antenna 114built into a nozzle 118 used when filling a gas cylinder 122. Thewireless identification tag reader/writer 116 and antenna 114 and/or thereader/writer module 108 attached to the glove 102 may also be used towrite information to the wireless identification tag 120 such as the gascylinder fill date, gas quality, gas type, and gas cylinder test date.

The system 100 may transmit the wireless identification tag data read bythe reader/writer module 108 to a portable computing device 110. Thewireless identification tag data may, for example, be transmitted via awireless or a wired connection. The portable computing device 110 mayinclude a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a personal digitalassistant (PDA). As depicted, the portable computing device 110 may beworn by the user 112 of the glove 102. As will be described further inrelation to FIGS. 8 and 9, a user 112 of the portable computing device110 may enter additional information corresponding to the wirelessidentification tag 120 for the gas cylinder 122 into the portablecomputing device 110.

The portable computing device 110 may be configured to transmit thereceived wireless identification tag data and any additional informationentered by the user 112 to a central database server 128, workstationcomputer 126, or another type of computing device. For example, awireless interface 132 may be used to transmit the wirelessidentification tag data as well as the additional information input bythe user to the network 170 via a wireless communication protocol, suchas IEEE 802.11, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), orBluetooth. Alternatively, the connection may be wired. Once on thenetwork 170, the wireless identification tag data and the additionalinformation may be transferred a central database server 128.

In one embodiment, processing in the central database server 128 may beperformed by a processing unit 134. The processing unit 134 may processprograms in a memory 142 including a product management application 148and an operating system 144 for the central database server 128. Theprocessing unit 134 may also process data 146 and other programs orinformation. Such data and programs may also be stored in a storagedevice 138 such as a hard drive or other computer-readable medium (e.g.,a compact disc or read-only memory). The central database server 128 mayutilize an input/output interface 136 to request and/or receive datafrom the network 170 via a network link 166. Internal components of thecentral database server 128 may communicate via a data bus 138.

A workstation 126 may be used to access the central database server 128over the network 170 and view the information about the gas cylinder 122sent from the portable computing device 110 to the central databaseserver 128. In one embodiment, processing in the workstation computer126 may be performed by a processing unit 150. The processing unit 150may process programs in a memory 156 including a product managementapplication 162 and an operating system 158 for the workstation computer126. The processing unit 150 may also process data 160 and otherprograms or information. Such data and programs may also be stored in astorage device 152 such as a hard drive or other computer-readablemedium (e.g., a compact disc or read-only memory). The workstationcomputer 126 may utilize an input/output interface 152 to request and/orreceive data from the network 170 via a network link 168. Internalcomponents of the workstation computer 126 may communicate via a databus 164.

Glove for Wirelessly Reading a Wireless Identification Tag

FIG. 2A is a block diagram which illustrates a back side (e.g., viewedfrom a back of a hand) of the glove 200 for wirelessly reading awireless identification tag 120 according to one embodiment of theinvention, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram which illustrates a front side(e.g., viewed from a palm of the hand) of the glove 224 for wirelesslyreading a wireless identification tag 120 according to one embodiment ofthe invention. As described above, the glove 102 may include one or morepressure sensors 104, an antenna 106 for communicating with the wirelessidentification tag 120, and a reader/writer module 108.

Furthermore, the reader/writer module 108 may also contain a battery212, a power port 206 for charging the battery 212, reader/writer modulecontrol circuitry 214, and a switch 202 for setting the glove 102 tooff, to automatic read, or to manual read. The glove 102 may have asensor 222 for determining whether or not a hand is in the glove 102.The switch 202 and the hand sensor 222 may be connected to thereader/writer module 108 via connection wires 210.

In one embodiment, the glove 102 may be a work glove, such as a safetyglove which may be used for safety in a given industry. For example, theglove 102 may be insulating so that its wearer's hand is protected fromextreme temperatures, may have no fingertips so that its wearer may feelthe texture of an object while wearing the glove, or may be alightweight glove completely covering the hand used when moving productsat a distribution center.

In one embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 may be located on theback side of the glove 102. The reader/writer module 108 may beconfigured to measure a pressure value from the pressure sensor 104,control the reading operation of the reader/writer module controlcircuitry 214 using antenna 106, and transmit the information read fromthe wireless identification tag 120 to a portable computing device 110via a transceiver 204 that may use wired or wireless communication.

In one embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 on or in the glove 102may be used to read data from a tag when a product is grasped or handledwith the glove 102. For example, the pressure sensor 104 may be used todetermine when a handle on a product is being grasped.

In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 104 may be a pressure sensorcapable of measuring a range of pressures, e.g., a piezoelectric sensor.The reader/writer module control circuitry 214 may obtain from thepressure sensor 104 a measured pressure value. In one embodiment, thereader/writer module control circuitry 214 may activate the antenna 106to read a wireless identification tag 120 when the measured pressurevalue is above a threshold pressure value. (For example, a pressurevalue which may indicate that a product is being grasped.) By activatingthe antenna 106 when a product is being grasped, battery life of thebattery 212 may be conserved because the pressure sensor 104 may be usedto regulate the activation of the antenna 106 so that it is notcontinually active.

Furthermore, by placing the wireless identification tag 120 in aposition on a product where the product is likely to be grasped, and byactivating the antenna 106 when the product is grasped, thereader/writer module 108 may have an improved opportunity tosuccessfully read the wireless identification tag 120 during a read orwrite operation.

In another embodiment, the pressure sensor 104 may be a pressure sensorthat detects only whether or not it is being pressed, e.g., apushbutton. This may enable the reader/writer module control circuitry214 to determine whether or not there is a pressure on the pressuresensor 104. Thus, in one embodiment, the reader/writer module controlcircuitry 214 may activate the antenna 106 to read a wirelessidentification tag 120 only when there is a pressure on the pressuresensor, which in turn may aid in conservation of battery life of thebattery 212 of the reader/writer module 108, as described above.

In one embodiment, the pressure sensor 104 may be located at the ends ofone or more fingers 216 and/or the thumb 218 (collectively the digits),and/or in the palm 220 of the glove 102. This configuration may bebeneficial in product management because it may allow for reading of thewireless identification tag 120 only when a predefined bodyconfiguration, like grasping or lifting, is detected as a pressure onthe pressure sensor 104. Optionally, the pressure sensor 104 may belocated anywhere else on the user 112. The pressure sensor 104 may beconnected to the reader/writer module 108 via connection wires 210. Inone embodiment, the connection wires 210 may include a twisted pair ofwires to reduce induction between the wires.

In one embodiment, the antenna 106 may be located between a first andsecond finger 216 of the glove 102. In one embodiment, the antenna 106may be a directional antenna. By placing the antenna 106 between a firstand second finger 216 of the glove 102, the antenna may be positioned tomeasure the wireless identification tag 120 when it is in closeproximity to a hand of a user 112. This configuration may be beneficialin product management because it may allow for seamless reading of thewireless identification tag 120 when the user 112 handles a product asdescribed above. Optionally, the antenna 106 may be located anywhereelse on the user 112. For example, the antenna 106 may be connected tothe reader/writer module 108 via a connection 208. In one embodiment,the connection 208 may include a twisted pair of wires to reduceinduction between the wires.

In one embodiment, the switch 202 may be used to select one threeoperating modes of the reader/writer module 108. If the switch is in theoff position, the reader/writer module 108 is off, no pressure is beingdetected, and no read operation may be performed. If the switch is inthe manual position, the reader/writer module 108 may be activated, andread operations may be continually occurring regardless of detection ofpressure by the pressure sensor 104. If the switch is in the automaticposition, the reader/writer module 108 may be activated, detection ofpressure by the pressure sensor 104 may take place, and read operationsmay occur if the pressure sensor 104 detects a pressure on the sensor.

In one embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 may provide auditoryfeedback to the user 112 when wireless identification tag data isreceived. For example, the auditory feedback may be a short tonesignifying a successful read of a wireless identification tag 120, ormay be speech identifying the read operation and details about thewireless identification tag 120. Such feedback may enable the user 112to more quickly identify misreads and correct errors as they occur.

As described above, the glove 102 may include a sensor 222 which may beused to detect the hand of the user 102 (e.g., to detect when the gloveis being worn). In one embodiment, the sensor 222 may work inconjunction with the switch 202. For example, in one embodiment, thereader/writer module 108 may only be used for reading or writing whenthe sensor 222 detects that there is a hand in the glove 102 and whenthe switch 202 is not in the off position. As described above, suchreading and writing may further depend on whether the pressure sensor104 detects a pressure.

In another embodiment, the sensor 222 may replace the function of theoff position of the switch 202. For example, the switch 202 may have twopositions: automatic read and manual read. When a user's hand isdetected in the glove 102 by sensor 222, the reader/writer module 108may be automatically activated. When the reader/writer module 108 isactivated, the reader/writer module control circuitry 214 mayautomatically monitor the pressure sensor to determine whether toactivate the antenna 106 as described below.

In another embodiment, the sensor 222 may replace the switch 202. Forexample, when a user's hand is detected in the glove 102 by sensor 222,the reader/writer module 108 may be automatically activated. When thereader/writer module 108 is activated, the reader/writer module controlcircuitry 214 may automatically monitor the pressure sensor to determinewhether to activate the antenna 106 as described below.

While FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the reader/writer module 108, theantenna 106, and the pressure sensors 104, on the outside of the glove102, alternate embodiments may provide one or more of the components104, 106, 108 embedded within layers of the glove. For example, FIG. 3is a block diagram which illustrates a cross-section of the glove 102according to one embodiment of the invention. The glove 102 may have anouter layer 302, a conductive layer 304, and an inner layer 306. In oneembodiment, the conductive layer 304 may include pieces of conductivefabric, wires, or a ribbon cable which may be used to provide power tocomponents of the glove 102 and transmit data and/or signals to and fromcomponents of the glove 102. The pressure sensors 104, the reader/writermodule 108, and/or the antenna 106, may be embedded within theconductive layer 304. Although one embodiment of the glove layers 302,304, 306 is depicted, one skilled in the art should recognize that thereare various ways of constructing the glove 102, including using multiplelayers of conductive fabric in the glove 102 instead of or in additionto wires or a single layer of conductive fabric.

Wireless Identification Tag Placement

FIG. 4 is a block diagram which illustrates a gas cylinder 122 taggedwith a wirelessly readable electronic tag 120 according to oneembodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram whichillustrates a gas cylinder 122 with a cap 124 tagged with a wirelesslyreadable electronic tag 120 and a gas cylinder 122 with a removed cap124 according to one embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 4, wireless identification tags 120 are depicted on the gascylinder handle 402 and on the gas cylinder valve 404 that controls theflow of gas out of the gas cylinder 122 through the gas cylinder pipe406. Optionally, as depicted in FIG. 5, the wireless identification tag120 may be placed on the handle 504 of the gas cylinder cap 124. Byplacing the wireless identification tag 120 on or near the handle 504 ofthe gas cylinder top or on or near the gas cylinder handle 402, thewireless identification tag 120 may be positioned so that thereader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 may read the wirelessidentification tag 120 when the pressure sensor 104 detects a pressuredue to the user 112 grasping either the handle 504 of the gas cylindercap or the gas cylinder handle 402.

As depicted in FIG. 5, a wireless identification tag reader/writer 116may also be used to read wireless identification tag data via an antenna114 built into a nozzle 118 used when filling a gas cylinder 122. Asdescribed above, the wireless identification tag reader/writer 116 andantenna 114 may also be used to write information to the wirelessidentification tag 120 such as the gas cylinder product identificationnumber, gas cylinder fill date, gas quality, gas type, and gas cylindertest date. The wireless identification tag reader/writer 116 may bebattery powered, or may be wired 502 to a power source. The wirelessidentification tag reader/writer 116 may communicate with the centraldatabase server 128 through the wireless interface 132, or may be wireddirectly into the network 170.

In one embodiment, a wireless identification tag 120 may also be placedon a rack 130 for holding gas cylinders to provide further automationwhile tracking product shipments with the reader/writer module 108 inthe glove 102. For example, when a user 112 opens a door on the rack130, the portable computing device 110, or other computer system, mayrecognize that the wireless identification tag 120 read was on a rack130. Consequently, the portable computing device 110 may associate allgas cylinders 122 corresponding to subsequent wireless identificationtags 120 with the rack 130. This association may continue until the user112 closes the door on the rack 130, and the wireless identification tag120 corresponding to the rack 130 is again read by the reader/writermodule 108 in the user's glove 102.

In one embodiment, when the user 112 of the glove 102 moves the rack 130of gas cylinders 122, the reader/writer module 108 may detect the rack130. The user 112 may update information about the rack 130 in theportable computing device 110, which in turn may cause the informationabout the gas cylinders 122 on the rack 130 to be updated. Suchinformation about the rack 130 and cylinders 122 may include location,date of delivery, and customer identification.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, possible locations for wireless identification tag 120placement are shown. However, one skilled in the art will recognize thatwireless identification tags may be placed anywhere on the gas cylinder122 or any other product tagged by a wireless identification tag 120.

Reading Wireless Identification Tags

FIG. 6A is a flow diagram depicting a process 600 for reading a wirelessidentification tag 120 using a switch 202 and a pressure sensor 104according to one embodiment of the invention. The process 600 may beginat step 602 where the reader/writer module 108 determines if the switch202 is in the off position. If the switch 202 is not in the offposition, the process 600 proceeds to step 604.

In step 604 the reader/writer module 108 checks to see if functionswitch 202 is in its manual position. If the switch 202 is set tomanual, the process 600 skips to step 608. If switch 202 is set toautomatic, the process 600 proceeds to step 606.

In step 606 the reader/writer module 108 checks to see if a pressurevalue measured by the pressure sensor 104 is above a threshold pressurevalue. If the measured pressure value is greater than the thresholdpressure value, the process 600 proceeds to step 608 where thereader/writer module control circuitry 214 on the reader/writer module108 is activated by turning the antenna 106 on for a set period of timeto read a wireless identification tag 120. If the pressure valuemeasured by the pressure sensor 104 is not greater than a thresholdpressure value, the process 600 returns to step 602.

In step 610, a determination is made whether valid wirelessidentification tag data was read. For example, the validity of the datamay be established by any of various methods, including determining achecksum value from the wireless tag data, or requiring redundantreading of the same information. If the data is not valid, or if no tagis present, the process 600 returns to step 606. If the wirelessidentification tag data is valid, the process 600 proceeds to step 612,where the reader/writer module 108 sends the wireless identification tagdata to the portable computing device 110 via the transceiver 204. Theprocess 600 may then repeat, returning to step 602.

FIG. 6B depicts an alternate process 650 for reading a wirelessidentification tag 120 using a switch 202, a sensor 222, and a pressuresensor 104 according to one embodiment of the invention. The process 650may begin at step 652 where the reader/writer module 108 determines fromthe sensor 222 if a hand of a user 112 is in the glove 102. When thehand of the user 112 is in the glove 102, the process 650 may proceed tostep 654.

In step 654 the reader/writer module 108 checks to see if functionswitch 202 is in its manual position. If the switch 202 is set tomanual, the process 650 skips to step 658. If switch 202 is set toautomatic, the process 650 proceeds to step 656.

In step 656 the reader/writer module 108 checks to see if a pressurevalue measured by the pressure sensor 104 is above a threshold pressurevalue. If the measured pressure value is greater than the thresholdpressure value, the process 650 proceeds to step 658 where thereader/writer module control circuitry 214 on the reader/writer module108 is activated by turning the antenna 106 on for a set period of timeto read a wireless identification tag 120. If the pressure valuemeasured by the pressure sensor 104 is not greater than a thresholdpressure value, the process 650 returns to step 652.

In step 660, a determination is made whether valid wirelessidentification tag data was read. For example, the validity of the datamay be established by any of various methods, as described above. If thedata is not valid, or if no tag is present, the process 650 returns tostep 656. If the wireless identification tag data is valid, the process650 proceeds to step 662, where the reader/writer module 108 sends thewireless identification tag data to the portable computing device 110via the transceiver 204. The process 650 may then repeat, returning tostep 652.

One skilled in the art should in the art should recognize that theprocesses described above are merely exemplary and that there arevarious alternate ways of implementing the processes 600, 650 of FIGS.6A and 6B.

Processing Wireless Identification Tag Information

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting a process 700 for processing the dataassociated with the glove 102 for wirelessly reading the wirelessidentification tag 120 according to one embodiment of the invention. Theprocess 700 may begin at step 702, where wireless identification tagdata for a product is obtained with a reader/writer module 108 in or ona glove 102, and the wireless identification tag data is sent to aportable computing device 110. Step 702 may include performance of thesteps described above with respect to process 600 in FIG. 6A or process650 in FIG. 6B.

In step 704, a user of the portable computing device 110 may edit andadd data to a list of wireless identification tags 120 recognized by thereader/writer module control circuitry 214 in the glove 102 and enteritem specific information corresponding to the data from the wirelessidentification tags 120. The portable computing device 110 may send theuser updated information and wireless identification tag data from theportable computing device 110 to a central database server 128 via anetwork 170 in step 706.

In step 708, the central database server 128 may use a productmanagement application 148 to process the new information and updatedata 146 in a server database accordingly. In step 710, the productmanagement application 148 on the central database server 128 maydetermine relevant information about the product corresponding to thedata from the wireless identification tag 120 and may send thatinformation to the portable computing device 110 via the network 170.For example, if the product were the gas cylinder 122, relevantinformation retrieved from the central database server 128 and sent tothe personal computing device 110 may include the date of the nextscheduled gas cylinder safety test, the type of gas in the gas cylinder122, and any safety and handling information associated with the gascylinder 122.

In step 712, the data on the portable computing device 110 for theproduct corresponding to the wireless identification tag 120 may beupdated with the relevant information from the database on the centraldatabase server 128 and may display such relevant information.

In one embodiment, the relevant information may cause the portablecomputing device 110 to alert the user 112 to further actions requiredby the user 112 on the product. Such actions may include placing theglove 102 over the wireless identification tag 120 so that the new andrelevant information may be written to the wireless identification tag120 from the reader/writer module 108. Other actions may includeremoving the product from circulation, taking the product in fortesting, and loading the product onto a specific rack 130.

One skilled in the art should recognize that there are various ways totransfer and manipulate the wireless tag data read by the reader/writermodule 108 in the glove 102, and that any embodiments provided above aremerely illustrative.

Portable Computing Device

As described above, the reader/writer module 108 may be used to transmitwireless identification tag data to the portable computing device 110.In one embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 may transmit wirelessidentification tag data to the portable computing device 110 via thetransceiver 204 after each read operation.

In another embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 may store wirelessidentification tag data until a pause in reader/writer module controlcircuitry 214 activity. During the pause in reader/writer module controlcircuitry 214 activity, the reader/writer module 108 may send the dataobtained from a plurality of successful read operations of wirelessidentification tags 120 to the portable computing device 110 via thetransceiver 204.

Optionally, the reader/writer module 108 may not be in continualcommunication with the portable computing device 110. Therefore, thereader/writer module 108 may store wireless identification tag datauntil a direct connection to the portable computing device 110, wired orwireless, can be made. Examples of the connection include connection bya universal serial bus (USB) cable, infrared signal via infrared ports,or Bluetooth.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which illustrates a portable computing device110 according to one embodiment of the invention. Processing in theportable computing device 110 may be performed by a processing unit 806.The processing unit 806 may process programs in a memory 816 including aproduct management application 820, a network resources application 822,and an operating system 824 for the portable computing device 110. Theprocessing unit 806 may also process data 818 and other programs orinformation. Such data and programs may also be stored in a storagedevice 810 such as a hard drive or other computer-readable medium (e.g.,a compact disc or read-only memory).

The portable computing device 110 may utilize an input/output interface808 to receive input from the user 112. The portable computing device110 may utilize a network interface 812 to request and/or receive datafrom the network 170 via a network link 802. Similarly, the portablecomputing device 110 may utilize a control module interface 814 torequest and/or receive data from the transceiver 204 of reader/writermodule 108 on the glove 102 via a local link 804. The local link 804 maycommunicate with transceiver 204 via a wireless protocol, likeBluetooth, IEEE 802.11, or infrared technologies. Alternatively, thelocal link 804 may communicate with transceiver 204 via a wiredconnection. Internal components of the portable computing device 110 maycommunicate via a data bus 826.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which illustrates a graphical user interface(GUI) 902 of the portable computing device 110 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The portable computing device 110 may havebuttons 904 and/or a touch screen 906 so that the user 112 of thereader/writer module 108 on the glove 102 may enter additionalinformation about the product associated with the wirelessidentification tag 120 read by the reader/writer module 108 on the glove102 as described above.

In one embodiment, such additional information may include the type ofproduct tagged by the wireless identification tag 120, the actionperformed on the product, and/or the location where the product was readby the user 112 with the glove 102. In another embodiment, the portablecomputing device 110 may automatically add additional information aboutthe product associated with the wireless identification tag 120 read bythe user 112 with the glove 102. Such information could includecoordinate data from the Global Positioning System (GPS), the time thewireless identification tag 120 was read by the reader/writer module108, and/or identification of the user 112 of the glove 102.

This additional information may be entered by using a GUI 902 on theportable computing device 110. In one embodiment of the invention, theGUI 902 contains a table with several fields, including tags read by thewireless identification tag reader 908, type of product scanned by thewireless identification tag reader 910, and action performed on theproduct 912. The user 112 may use the portable computing device 110 tosend wireless identification tag data and any additional information tothe central database server 128. However, if the user 112 tries to sendthis data before entering all the required information, a notice 914 mayappear to inform the user 112 of the missing information. The notice 914may describe the missing information 916, may indicate the wirelessidentification tag that is missing required data 918, may provide fieldsfor updating the missing information 924, 926, and/or may give the useron screen buttons 920, 922 for accepting changes to the additional tagdata 922 or leaving the record blank 920.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 110 may provideauditory feedback to the user 112 when wireless identification tag datais received. For example, the auditory feedback may be a short tonesignifying a successful read of a wireless identification tag 120, ormay be speech identifying the read operation and details about thewireless identification tag 120. Such feedback may enable the user 112to more quickly identify misreads and correct errors as they occur. Insome cases, the auditory feedback may be provided via a speaker embeddedin the portable computing device 110. Optionally, the auditory feedbackmay be provided via other means, such as headphones attached to theportable computing device 110.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the portable computing device110 and GUI 902 of FIG. 9 are only examples, and may be configured inany appropriate manner. For example, in some cases the portablecomputing device 110 may be configured to transmit wireless informationtag data via the transceiver 204 to the central database server 128without user interaction.

Wireless Identification Tag Data Tracking

As was described above in reference to FIG. 7, step 706, the portablecomputing device may send wireless identification tag data read by thereader/writer module 108 and the additional information entered by theuser 112 of the portable computing device 110 to a central databaseserver 128. The central database server 128 may include a database suchas, for example, the database 1002 depicted in FIG. 10.

The database 1002 contains information that may be stored for awirelessly readable electronic tag according to one embodiment of theinvention. The information may be stored on the central database server128 and/or written to the wireless identification tag 120. The data mayincludes a wireless tag identification number 1004, gas cylinderidentification number 1006, date the gas cylinder was refilled 1008,type of gas in the gas cylinder 1010, quality of gas in the gas cylinder1012, date the gas cylinder was tested 1014, and additional information1016 input by the user of the reader/writer module control circuitry 214on the glove 102 after scanning the gas cylinder with the reader/writermodule control circuitry 214.

In one embodiment, the database 1002 may include information on thephysical location of the wireless identification tag 120 when it wasread by the reader/writer module control circuitry 214. The physicallocation may be obtained in many ways. For example, the portablecomputing device 110 or the reader/writer module 108 on the glove 102may use GPS or triangulation to determine the exact location where awireless identification tag was read. Such data may be recorded by theportable computing device 110 and transmitted, along with the wirelessidentification tag data, to the central database server 128. Also,location may be obtained from knowing the location of the wirelessinterface 132 used by the portable computing device 110 to send wirelessidentification tag data to the network 170. Location data can be any ofvarious location representation forms including latitude and longitudecoordinates, address information, and/or the name of a facility where awireless identification tag 120 was read by the reader/writer module 108in the glove 102.

For example, the user 112 may read wireless identification tag data withthe reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 that may be subsequentlytransmitted wirelessly from the reader/writer module 108 to the awireless interface 132. Since the wireless interface 132 may be known tobe in a certain location, the relative location of the wirelessidentification tag 120 may be obtained from the corresponding knownlocation of the wireless interface 132. Furthermore, the portablecomputing device 110, the central database server 128, or theworkstation 126 may be capable of determining a correlation betweentypes of location data. For example, from latitude and longitudecoordinate data, a corresponding address of the tagged product may beobtained.

Tracking Glove Usage

In one embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 mayalso be used to track the productivity of the user 112. For example, thedatabase 1002 may maintain information on the user of the reader/writermodule 108 in the glove 102, including a total usage time of thereader/writer module 108 by the user 112, a total number of wirelessidentification tags read by the reader/writer module 108 while undercontrol of the user 112, or any other data that may be useful indetermining the productivity of the user 112.

To relate user productivity to a specific user 112, the identity of theuser 112 may be recorded. In one embodiment, the user's identity may bedetermined from login information on the portable computing device 110.For example, when the user places the glove 102 on a hand, the sensor222 may detect the presence of the hand, causing the reader/writermodule 108 to send a message to the portable computing device 110. Theportable computing device 110 may use the message from the reader/writermodule 108 to initiate a request to the user for login information.Optionally, the identity of a user 112 may be determined by reading afingerprint of the user 112, reading an identification card of the user112, and/or reading a wireless identification tag belonging to the user112.

In another embodiment, the reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 mayhave a unique identification number that may be known to be associatedwith a single user 112. When a wireless identification tag 120 is readby the reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102, the portable computingdevice 110 or the central database server 128 may correlate theidentification number of the reader/writer module 108 with the user 112of the glove 102 according to the known association.

Similarly, the portable computing device 110 may have a uniqueidentification number that may be known to be associated with a singleuser 112. When the portable computing device 110 transmits the wirelessidentification tag data to the central database server 128, the centraldatabase server 128 may correlate the identification number of theportable computing device 110 with the identification of the user 112according to the known association.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the identification techniquesdescribed above are merely representative, and do not encompass thenumerous ways to identify a user 112.

Exemplary System Usage

To further clarify how the present invention may be used to improvetracking of products in a product management system, the followingexample of a gas cylinder 122 management system is presented.

In one embodiment, when a gas cylinder 122 is filled at a gas cylinderfilling station, the filling station may have a wireless identificationtag reader/writer 116 and its associated antenna 114 built into thefilling nozzle 118. While the gas cylinder 122 is being filled, thewireless identification tag reader/writer 116 may read the wirelessidentification tag 120 on the gas cylinder 122. The wirelessidentification tag reader/writer 116 may transmit the wirelessidentification tag data to a central database server 128 that mayprocess the wireless identification tag data and return updated data tothe wireless identification tag reader/writer 116.

In one embodiment, the wireless identification tag reader/writer 116 maywrite this updated data to the wireless identification tag 120 on thegas cylinder 122. The updated information may include, but is notlimited to, the type of gas in the gas cylinder 122, the date the gascylinder 122 was filled, the amount of gas in the gas cylinder 122, andthe location of the gas cylinder 122 when filled.

Before beginning work, a user 112 may put on a pair of gloves (forexample, as may be required by standard safety procedures). If one ofthose gloves is the glove 102 as described above, sensor 222 in theglove 102 may sense that the user 112 is wearing the glove and mayactivate the reader/writer module 108.

In one embodiment, once the gas cylinder 122 has been filled, a user 112may remove the gas cylinder 122 from the filling station. When the user112 moves the gas cylinder 122, a pressure sensor 104 in the glove 102of the user may measure a pressure value of a pressure exerted on theglove 102. The wireless identification tag reader/writer module 108 inthe glove 102 may determine that the measured pressure value is greaterthan a threshold pressure value, and consequently activate an antenna106 in the glove 102 for wireless communication with the wirelessidentification tag 120.

In one embodiment, if the reader/writer module 108 successfully readswireless identification tag data from the wireless identification tag120, the wireless identification tag data is subsequently sent to aportable computing device 110 worn by the user 122, as described above.The portable computing device 110 may allow the user 112 to enteradditional information about the gas cylinder 122 tagged by the wirelessidentification tag 120 read by the reader/writer module 108.

In one embodiment, the wireless identification tag data as well as anyadditional information entered by the user 112 may be transmitted fromthe portable computing device 110 to the central database server 128.The central database server 128 may process the wireless identificationtag data as well as any additional information entered by the user 112and return updated data to portable computing device 110. The updatedinformation may include, but is not limited to, type of gas in the gascylinder 122, date the gas cylinder 122 was last filled, amount of gasin the gas cylinder 122, action to be performed on the gas cylinder 122,and location of the gas cylinder 122.

The portable computing device 110 may respond to the updated data in anumber of ways, including notifying the user 112 that the gas cylindershould 122 be placed on a particular gas cylinder rack 130 for deliveryof the filled gas cylinder 122 to a customer. Additionally, the portablecomputing device 110 may provide a map and address to the deliverylocation.

In one embodiment, the wireless identification tag 120 may be placed ona gas cylinder rack 130. When the user 112 opens a door on the rack 130,the portable computing device 110 may recognize that the wirelessidentification tag 120 read by the reader/writer module 108 was locatedon the rack 130. Consequently, the portable computing device 110 mayassociate all gas cylinders 122 corresponding to subsequent wirelessidentification tags 120 with the rack 130. This association may continueuntil the user 112 closes the door on the rack 130, and the wirelessidentification tag 120 corresponding to the rack 130 is again read bythe reader/writer module 108 in the user's glove 102.

In one embodiment, when the user 112 delivers the gas cylinder 122 tothe customer, a process may occur similar to when the user 112 removedthe gas cylinder 122 from the filling station. For example, the user 112of the reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 may enter additionalinformation into the portable computing device 110 identifying that thegas cylinder 122 is being delivered to the customer. The portablecomputing device 110 may have a built in GPS receiver that determinesthe customer's location (e.g., latitude and longitude coordinates), andsends that location information, along with the wireless identificationtag data and any additional information added by the user 112 of theportable computing device 110, to the central database server 128. Inthis manner, not only may a record of products on the central databaseserver 128 be seamlessly updated, but accurate tracking of the locationof a product may also be maintained.

In one embodiment, once the customer has used all the gas in the gascylinder 122, the user 112 may travel to the customer's location toretrieve the gas cylinder 122. When the user moves the gas cylinder 122,a process may occur similar to when the user 112 removed the gascylinder 122 from the filling station. Upon retrieving the cylinder 122and reading the wireless identification tag 120 as described above, theuser 112 of the reader/writer module 108 in the glove 102 may enteradditional information into the portable computing device 110identifying that the gas cylinder 122 is being retrieved from thecustomer.

In one embodiment, the portable computing device 110 sends thisadditional user entered information, along with the wirelessidentification tag data from the wireless identification tag 120 on thegas cylinder 122, to the central database server 128. An applicationrunning on the central database server 128 may recognize that thecustomer needs a new gas cylinder 122, and may automatically re-order agas cylinder 122 for the customer.

In one embodiment, the user 112 may return the gas cylinder 112 to thefilling station, and the sequence described above may begin again.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the preceding example is onlya representation of one way the wireless tag reader/writer module 108 ina glove 102 may be used to improve the tracking of products in a productmanagement system.

CONCLUSION

Embodiments of the present invention are described above with respect toa reader/writer module 108 in or on a glove 102 worn on the hand of auser 112. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limitedto this or other glove-based embodiments. For example, the antenna 106may be attached to a ring worn by the user 112, the pressure sensor 104may be placed in a shoe worn by the user 112, and/or the reader/writermodule 108 may be worn on a belt of the user 112.

Furthermore, the reader/writer module 108 in or on the glove 102 and theportable computing device 110 have been described above as separateentities. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limitedto this configuration. The reader/writer module 108 and the portablecomputing device 110 may be a single entity, capable of wirelesslyreading a wireless identification tag 120 and accepting additionalinformation about the product associated with the wirelessidentification tag 102 from the user 112.

Processes and apparatus for practicing the present invention have beendescribed. It will be understood and readily apparent to the skilledartisan that many changes and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and thescope of the present invention. The foregoing is illustrative only andthat other embodiments of the integrated processes and apparatus may beemployed without departing from the true scope of the invention definedin the following claims.

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 31. A method for product management,comprising: a) wirelessly reading tag data from an identification tagusing a hand-mounted identification tag reader; and b) transmitting thetag data from the hand-mounted identification tag reader to a firstcomputing system, wherein the first computing system is configured toreceive additional tag information corresponding to the tag data from auser.
 32. The method of claim 31, further comprising: c) transmittingthe tag data and the additional tag information from the first computingsystem to a second computing system, wherein the tag data and theadditional tag information is recorded by the second computing system ina database entry corresponding to the identification tag.
 33. The methodof claim 31, further comprising: c) transmitting a request for recordedtag information from the first computing system to a second computersystem; and d) receiving a response containing the recorded taginformation from the second computer system.
 34. The method of claim 31,wherein the first computing system is worn by the user.
 35. The methodof claim 34, wherein the first computing system is at least one of a PDAand a cell phone.
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 41. A device comprising: a) a hand-mounteddevice for reading a wireless identification tag; and b) circuitryconfigured to: i) receive tag data from a wireless identification tagvia the hand-mounted device; and ii) combine the tag data in a dataentry, wherein the data entry includes an identification of a user ofthe hand-mounted device.
 42. The device of claim 41, wherein thecircuitry is further configured to automatically identify the user ofthe hand-mounted device.
 43. The device of claim 41, wherein the handmounted device further comprises a fingerprint reader and wherein thecircuitry is further configured to automatically identify the user ofthe hand-mounted device by reading a fingerprint of the user with thefingerprint reader.
 44. The device of claim 41, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to automatically identify the user of thehand-mounted device by prompting the user for login information.
 45. Thedevice of claim 41, wherein the hand mounted device further comprises anidentification card reader and wherein the circuitry is furtherconfigured to automatically identify the user of the hand-mounted deviceby reading an identification card of the user with the identificationcard reader.
 46. The device of claim 41, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to automatically identify the user of thehand-mounted device by wirelessly scanning a wireless identification tagof the user.
 47. The device of claim 41, wherein the circuitry isfurther configured to record usage data for the hand-mounted devicecorresponding to the user of the hand-mounted device.
 48. The device ofclaim 41, wherein the usage data comprises at least one of: a totalusage time of the hand-mounted device by the user; a total number ofwireless identification tags read by the hand-mounted device while undercontrol of the user; and a frequency of wireless identification tagreading performed using the hand-mounted device.
 49. The device of claim41, wherein the hand mounted device further comprises a hand sensor andwherein the circuitry is further configured to determine, using the handsensor, whether the user is wearing the hand-mounted device.
 50. Thedevice of claim 41, wherein the hand mounted device further comprises apressure sensor and wherein the circuitry is further configured to: iii)measure a pressure value via the pressure sensor; iv) determine if thepressure value measured via the pressure sensor is above a thresholdpressure value; and v) if so, read wireless tag data from the wirelessidentification tag.
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 58. A method oftracking gas cylinders, comprising: a) receiving, by a tracking system,data corresponding to gas cylinders; the information having beentransmitted from one or more RF ID tag readers and transmitters, the RFID tag readers and transmitters each configured to: i) read RF ID tagsdisposed on the gas cylinders; ii) transmit the information to thetracking system; and iii) on the basis of the received data, trackrespective locations of the gas cylinders.